5 Things to Consider Before Investing in Mental Health Training for Managers
Investing in mental health training for managers is one of the most impactful decisions an organisation can make. But like any significant investment, the return you get depends largely on the groundwork you do before the training ever takes place. Here are five things worth considering before you go ahead. Why is Mental Health Training […]
How to Talk to Your Team About Mental Health
When we deliver mental health training for managers, we always ask the same question early on: “What’s your biggest fear when it comes to talking to someone about their mental health?” And nine times out of ten, the answers fall into one of two camps. “What if I say the wrong thing?”“What if I make […]
Why Your Wellbeing at Work Week isn’t Working
Discover how to make your wellbeing at work week create a lasting impact. “We’re running a Wellbeing Week,” said the Learning and Development Manager proudly. “Great!” I replied. “And what happens after that?” “Oh… well… we’ll probably do the same thing again next year.” Let’s be honest, this is not uncommon. A lot of organisations […]
What Coronavirus Gave Us: 15 Unexpected Gifts, Five Years On
Benefits of COVID-19 on Employee Wellbeing and Workplace Culture In 2020, amidst isolation and uncertainty, this blog was originally written to name what few dared to: the potential hidden gifts of the COVID crisis. From slowing down to rediscovering community, to taking a step back and reflecting on what mattered to us as humans, the […]
Mental Health at Work: Who’s Really Responsible?
Mental Health at Work Commitment: Where Does Accountability End? Recently, I spoke to an organisation whose absence at work problem is costing them over £100,000 a week. They’re a UK company of around 1,500 people. And in one particular sector of the workforce, which accounts for about half the employees, the absence rate is sitting at 10.9%. […]
Why “Cracking Down on Sick Notes” Doesn’t Tackle the Real Problem
“GPs should start recommending gym memberships and job coaches over fit notes.” That’s the line from The Telegraph’s recent reporting on a new government pilot scheme — WorkWell — being trialled across 15 high-unemployment areas in the UK. According to The Times (June 24, 2024), fit notes have more than doubled from 5.3 million in 2015 to over 11 million in 2024, with 93% […]
Why Your Employee Wellbeing Strategy Isn’t Working
Why talk about mental health at work? Protecting and supporting the mental health of employees is no longer a nice-to-have but vital for the future of your business. Lockdown, COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and social unrest have impacted employees immensely, with a rise in stress, burnout, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and substance abuse. The pandemic has […]
The Hidden Toll of Trauma in the Workplace
A Call for a New Approach to Mental Health Support NHS doctors and nurses face staggering trauma and suicide rates. Discover how group workplace trauma therapy can deliver transformative results, without talking. When Humour Reveals the Unspoken Truth Over the weekend, I had the chance to see Adam Kay’s show at the Edinburgh Festival. Adam, […]
Workplace Trauma: A New Approach for Organisations
Many organisations are doing fantastic work when it comes to workplace mental health support. We’ve come a long way from the days when Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) were the only option available. But despite these advancements, something isn’t quite clicking. Employees are still burning out.EAP services remain underutilised.People are struggling in silence instead of speaking to their managers. And what I’m observing […]
Workplace Wellbeing Trends Shaping the Future of HR
In the dynamic world of HR, staying attuned to the evolving landscape of employee wellbeing is paramount. HR leaders are presented with an opportunity to proactively address the trends that will significantly influence the wellbeing of their workforce. These trends, grounded in data and statistics, not only mirror the changing expectations of employees but also […]